Here’s what the BBC’s Matt McGrath is reporting:

“Neonicotinoid pesticides are causing significant damage to a wide range of beneficial species and are a key factor in the decline of bees, say scientists. Researchers, who have carried out a four-year review of the literature, say the evidence of damage is now “conclusive”. The scientists say the threat to nature is the same as that once posed by the notorious chemical DDT.” Read on here

Concern over the possible harmful effects of this group of chemicals is one of the reasons why Friends of the Earth (and other organisations) campaigned for them to be banned – which has now been imposed temporarily at the EU level – and then for a national ‘Bee Action Plan’. To join that campaign go here, and of course all the more reason to support our local ‘action plan Get Calderdale Buzzing!